Bunions are painful lumps at the side of the big toe joint that don't go away by normal means. These lumps prevent a regular shoe from fitting properly over the affected foot and stop the sufferer from leading a normal active life due to the swelling, pain and footwear problems involved. Surgery doesn't always help and sometimes compounds the problem, leading to more surgery to undo the first. However, some relief may be achieved by various natural methods which are set out here. Often used to provide relief of the inflammation and from bunion pain. Ultrasound therapy is a popular technique for treating bunions and their associated soft tissue involvement. Fit Flops are a great option too for bunion sufferers. Many people have reported on how comfortable they feel and how they take the stress off that vulnerable toe area. There are also specially designed hiking shoes that will accommodate your bunion as well as every day wear. They may cost a little more but for comfort's sake they are well worth it. Bath salts (particularly Epsom Salts) may also be used every time you clean your foot. It's relaxing and relieves pain substantially. In addition, you can also use oil massage to lessen both the pain and size of the bunion But like cold compresses, the relief is temporary. The goal of foot care in an individual of any age with Down syndrome is to optimize what they were born with and keep them active. As stated previously, this can be done by correct shoegear, custom orthotics and surgery in rare situations. The Down syndrome foot is a unique entity, but can fully function and carry the individual through a fulfilling life. the intermetatarsal angle, that is between the first and second metatarsals (the bones that lead up to the base of the toes). If this angle exceeds 9º (the angle found in the healthy foot) it is abnormal and referred to as metatarsus primus varus. However, most bunions or moderate deformations can be treated without invasive treatments like surgery. In addition, the main focus in treatment is to relieve the pressure on the bunion to balk the fast progression of the joint deformity (bunion). Applying bunion pads around the bone, wearing shoes with wide toe boxes and total avoidance of high-heeled shoes can easily relieve the pressure. Inflamed and irritating bunions can be treated with ultrasound therapy, ice and even anti-inflammatory drugs. I hope that one of the big pharmaceutical companies invents a truly great method, like described at BunionPain.net bunion treatment guide , because I am so tired of dealing with mine. Using diabetic socks is also a good way to enhance the comfort and benefits of Diabetic Shoes. These socks are made of stretchable skin friendly material and can used for long hours without feeling rib pressure. Merry-Jane Socks, No-Show Socks, Over-the-Calf Socks, Extra-Roomy Socks, Crew Socks and Ankle Socks are some popular segments to choose the comfortable pair socks. Besides using diabetic socks, we have other accessories also that take footwear comfort up to the next level. Before buying any foot care accessory, confirm the validation for reimbursement of cost from insurance provider. We highly recommend before you think about going down thesurgical route of bunion surgery you should try all the conservative optionsand treatments offered within the Foot Health Profession. Surgery is a serious option and for some theonly route but for the majority of bunion pain sufferers home remedies workwell and prevent and correct bunion and big toe joints so everyday life is painfree. Foot disorders are a leading cause of acute and short term disability in the general adult population. From ingrown toenails to athlete's foot to a case of bunions, many adults struggle to find remedies to improve foot health naturally. Bunion surgery is not particularly "more" painful than other surgeries. Foot surgery, in general, can lend itself to increased pain post-operatively because the foot is below the level of the heart and blood can rush to the area, causing a throbbing feeling. Also, the foot does not have much soft tissue surrounding the bones, so moderate postoperative swelling can aggravate the nerves, causing pain. Most patients find that the postoperative discomfort is tolerable with pain medication and a program dedicated to pain relief. Even though bunions are a common foot deformity, there are misconceptions about them. Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment. Discussing the reasonable expectations for improvement after a bunion surgery with their physician can help patients understand the recovery process better. For instance, the general goals for these surgeries are to reduce pain and restore function to the big toe joint. Post-surgery, the patient may need to wear a cast or special shoes for six to eight weeks before starting to return to normal footwear. These types of instructions are dependent on the type of surgery done and a patient's individual foot. Before surgery is attempted, other forms of bunion treatment will likely have been tried. I am 15 and I’ve had bunions for four years. They haven’t been hurting too bad, but lately I can’t even stand up for ten minutes without the pain even when I am wearing my inserts. I’ve been taking aleve, but it’s not helping. Also, is it normal for me to have knee pains as well with bunions? If I got the surgery, would the chances of them coming back be high? And why does the cold hurt my feet so much? From the moment you cross the start line, you know that crossing the finish line will be one of the best moments of your life." ~ Author Unknown This will greatly reduce the pressure on the bunion thus alleviating pain. The doctor could also advice you to make use of padded shoe inserts which is very helpful in distributing pressure evenly in the course of movement, thus preventing the bunion from worsening. My Conclusion on Bunion Pain Treatment You do not have to live with unbearable pain caused by that bunion while there are myriad remedies at your disposal. These range from over the counter remedies, homemade options and medical solutions. Jan 03, 2012 By Serena Styles Photo Caption Bunions can cause severe pain during tennis. Photo Credit Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty Images